The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of nine suspects arraigned over their alleged involvement in the massacre of about 150 people in Yelwata community, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.

Justice Joyce Abdul‑Malik gave the order on Monday in the criminal case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/471/2025, where the Attorney‑General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, led the prosecution.

The defendants were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, pending the commencement of the full trial scheduled for February 26 and 27, 2026.

Fagbemi, who appeared with the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation (DPPF), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, informed the court that a 57‑count amended charge had been filed against ten accused persons in relation to the June 13, 2025 attack that resulted in mass killings and the burning of houses.

However, the AGF asked the court to strike out the name of the 6th defendant, Yakubu Mamman, and to withdraw the earlier charge filed on September 9, leaving only the amended indictment for court consideration.

The defendants, who included Ardo Lawal Mohammed Dono, Ardo Muhammadu Saidu, Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi, Yakubu Adamu, Alhaji Mohammed Musa, Abubakar Adamu, Shaibu Ibrahim, Sale Mohammed, and Bako Jibrin, among others still at large, pleaded not guilty to all counts.

Following the plea, the AGF asked the court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded, while praying for accelerated hearing of the matter.

“The prosecution has about eight witnesses lined up to testify in the matter,” Fagbemi told the court.

According to the amended charge, the suspects allegedly met in Nasarawa State between May and June 2025 to plan and coordinate the attack on Yelwata community – an assault that reportedly led to burning of houses, grievous bodily harm, and the deaths of approximately 150 persons.

One of the counts stated, “…knowingly and directly participated in meetings in connection with the commission of an act of terrorism…to plan an attack on Yelwata Community in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State…thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 12(a) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022…”

Another count detailed allegations that the suspects conspired to execute the attack, contrary to Section 26(1) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In Count 57, the court read, “That you, Bako Jibrin ‘M’, between May and June 2025 in Nasarawa State…engaged in preparations to commit an act of terrorism by coordinating and planning…attack on Yelwata Community…resulting in the burning of houses, grievous bodily harm, and the death of approximately one hundred and fifty (150) persons…contrary to Section 29 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022…”

In a statement on Sunday, the Federal Government said the arraignment followed painstaking investigations and collaboration by government agencies.

Reacting separately, the AGF reiterated the commitment of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to protect lives and property and ensure justice is served.

“The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to the protection of lives and property of all as enshrined in the constitution,” the AGF’s statement said, adding that a strong signal would be sent to perpetrators of such heinous crimes.

Justice Abdul‑Malik overruled the defendants’ oral bail application and directed that they remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the commencement of trial on February 26 and 27, 2026.